Ajinomoto Stadium

Infobox Stadium
stadium_name = Ajinomoto Stadium
味の素スタジアム
nickname = Ajista


location = flagicon|Japan Chōfu, Tokyo, Japan
coordinates = coord|35|39|51.4|N|139|31|37.7|E|type:landmark
broke_ground =
opened = March, 2001
renovated =
expanded =
closed =
demolished =
owner = Tokyo Metropolitan Government
operator =
surface = Grass
Constructor =
construction_cost =
architect =
former_names =
nicknames =
tenants = F.C. Tokyo
Tokyo Verdy
seating_capacity = 50,000
dimensions = 110.5 m x 75.4 m

"For the old baseball stadium, see Tokyo Stadium."

nihongo|Tokyo Stadium|東京スタジアム|Tōkyō Sutajiamu is a multi-use stadium located in Chōfu, Tokyo, Japan. The stadium was founded at Kantō Mura, the redevelopment area formerly used by USFJ, in March 2001. It was the first stadium in Japan that offered its naming rights, which were sold to Ajinomoto Co., Inc. with a 5-year 1.2 billion yen (about 10 million United States dollars) contract, from March 2003 to February 2008. As a result, it is currently named nihongo|Ajinomoto Stadium|味の素スタジアム|Ajinomoto Sutajiamu.

Overview

The stadium is the home of the J. League football teams F.C. Tokyo and Tokyo Verdy, and is used as the venue of some lower divisions of football leagues. Rugby union and American football games are also held there. In 2002 FIFA World Cup, Saudi Arabia's national team placed their training camp at Chōfu and used the stadium as a main training ground, although it did not host an actual World Cup match.

The stadium is often used by non-sport events, such as concerts and flea markets.

Site

The north end of the stadium adjoins the Chofu Airport, while the route 20 runs through the south end. At the south end is placed the main gate, which is directly connected with the pedestrian bridge over the route 20.

Stand

The stand accommodates 50,100 and is divided into 2 layers; the upper accommodates 20,600 while the lower 29,370 (both are all-seated). On each layer, the stand is technically classified into 4 segments (main, back, north and south sides).

The whole of the upper layer, as well as upper tiers of the lower layer, is covered by roof, which is made of Teflon (main and back) and polycarbonate (both sides). The main stand houses media and hospitality boxes, VIP rooms and reception hall. Two Large LED displays are installed at both sides.

Ground

The ground was originally designed for both athletics and football games. However, the construction of the supplemental ground, which is needed for compliance with the 1st-grade athletic ground in Japan, has been postponed. The management company has decided to use the ground mainly for football, and not to install the track until the foundation of the supplemental ground. Currently artificial turf is laid down all over the ground except the football field area, over which natural turf is spread. Consequently, there is some room between the football pitch and the stand.

In order to comply with the height limitation in regard to the airport, the ground is sunk and its altitude is lower than that of the land around the stadium.

Access

* Keiō Line: 5 minutes walk from Tobitakyū station.
* Seibu Tamagawa Line: 20 minutes walk from Tama station.

External links

* [http://www.ajinomotostadium.com/ Ajinomoto Stadium Official Site] (in Japanese)